Australian runner banned from sport for 6 months

MELBOURNE, Australia -- Olympic and world championships relay medalist John Steffensen has been banned from competition for six months by Athletics Australia for bringing track and field into disrepute.

An investigation by an independent tribunal last month rejected claims of racial vilification and discrimination made by Steffensen before the 2012 Olympics, when he missed a spot in the individual 400 meters and selectors opted instead for teenager Steve Solomon.

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